2026 marks the fourth year that the Anderson Women’s Rugby Scholarship is offering monies for girls and women looking to continue their rugby careers into college. The total amount available is $25,000, with the finalists receiving $10,000 apiece, and third place banking $5,000. The deadline for applications is May 30, 2026. The winners will be announced a month later on June 30.

Heather Anderson is a rugby mom based in Avon, Ind., and her daughter played rugby at Lander University in South Carolina. Anderson appreciates all the positive attributes that rugby has developed in her daughter, and the annual scholarship helps more girls and women continue that transformative process into college by alleviating some of the financial burden of higher education.

High school seniors and current undergraduate, graduate and/or trade school students are the target audience. Review the scholarship details, create a profile on bold.org, and then write a 400-600-word essay answer the following question:

Tell us what rugby family means to you. What hopes do you have for playing rugby in college?

In addition to benefactor Heather Anderson, Kelly Romano will also be reviewing essays. The Rugby Indiana dynamo’s daughter was most recently named Next Phase Rugby High Schooler of the Month LINK.

For a list of previous winners and their essays, visit: https://bold.org/scholarships/anderson-womens-rugby-scholarship.

 

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Last year’s winners

1st: Naomi Diaz Allen out of Honolulu, Hawaii; Penn State

2nd: Leilani Lepe out of Riverside, California; Davenport Univ.

3rd: Mary Bowers out of Randelman, N.C.; UNC Chapel Hill